The Philadelphia School's sixth grade has developed its curriculum around the Central Subject of the African continent. Our understanding of Africa is informed by explorations in the areas of language arts, social studies and science, with an emphasis on employing the tools of our technological age. Within their study of Africa, our students also examine such fundamental questions as: Who am I? How do I learn? What do I know? Africa becomes more than a scholarly investigation to develop skills and understanding in our sixth grade students--it becomes a way to explore growth and helps to prepare our students for success in a yet-to-be-written future.

RITES OF PASSAGE

Questions to understand:
  • What is a rite of passage?
  • What are common rites of passage?
  • What is the purpose of a rite of passage?
  • How do cultures recognize or celebrate a rite of passage?
  • What happens in a rite of passage ceremony or ritual?
  • What does it mean to be a man or a woman?
  • What values are gained or expected in adulthood?

RESPONSIBILITY:
  • What changes might a rites of passage ceremony require of you after passing into adulthood?
  • How do your responsibilities change as you become a young adult?